Komen Tissue Bank allows Wheaton to move lives in different way

There are few organizations more recognizable than Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eradicating breast cancer, one of the most deadly and prolific diseases around. There are few of us who have the good fortune to say their lives have not been affected in some way by breast cancer. Whether it’s a relative, a friend, a business associate, or a casual acquaintance, everyone knows someone who has had an experience with the disease. In my case, my mother is a breast cancer survivor and several of my wife’s parents have fought the breast cancer battle. I’m happy to report that most have won.

Ironically, the same dangerous disease that causes so much anxiety and pain, has also created one of the most incredible “networks” of people all connected by a common thread. But, no matter how dubious that connection might be, those involved in the network clearly don’t look at it that way. As evidence, attend any Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure event across the country. It’s an incredible experience. While there is certainly sadness built into the core purpose of being there, it’s also a celebration of life and relationships.

In the past year, I’ve had the good fortune to become involved with Komen and experience some of the camaraderie, good deeds, fun and hard work involved with Komen events. In October 2008, Wheaton World Wide Moving made arrangements to move blood and tissue sample equipment for Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center, headquartered here in Indianapolis, to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Dallas, Texas. I had the privilege of traveling to Dallas, along with two of our system’s best drivers and a fantastic corporate crew that included our partners at Crown Relocations. We packed, loaded and unloaded centrifuges and other specialized equipment and supplies necessary to the job of collecting, storing and transporting blood samples back to the tissue bank for breast cancer research.

Watching the folks from the Komen tissue bank was an amazing experience. And knowing that we played some small part in making their work possible was gratifying. Since the first event, we’ve continued our relationship with the dedicated folks at the tissue bank and moved their equipment for several more blood and tissue collection events. In fact, Wheaton is performing that work this weekend in Indianapolis – Saturday, June 13, 2009, IU Simon Cancer Center, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. You can visit the tissue bank’s Web site to find out if you’re eligible to give a sample: Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center

At Wheaton, our policy is to become as involved in the communities in which we work as much as we can because it’s the right thing to do. But it’s also a fantastic way to get to know the community and the people you’re serving.

I’d encourage you to get involved – donate to Komen’s cause and consider giving samples for research to the Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center if it shows up in your town. But don’t just do it for the obvious reasons. While breast cancer research is certainly at the top of the list of incredibly important medical research, I think you’ll find that a relationship with Komen is an entry into a very special social network that’s growing larger every day.

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